We must be united in the war against addiction! My mission is to unite organizations,support groups, and everyone else who needs a helping hand. I am here to educate equip and develop a Recovery resource Network. My hope is that everyone gets the help they need and no one is left behind or alone in their fight for freedom from addiction. Join me and lets fight the good fight! Our Philosophy: Instigate, Agitate, Educate, and Liberate!

"My
physician directed me to have knee-replacement surgery... My experience
is a reminder to us all that we must continue to speak up... to demand
the quality of care warranted by the chronic disease of addiction... I
owe my 29 years of unbroken sobriety to excellent care before, during
and after treatment... The period of enlightenment that provided me with
such excellent care 29 years ago has dimmed... It's [time] to wrap our
arms around the health system and not let go until it recovers." Profile continues.

MOMS ARE THE REAL MVPs--Video

NBA MVP Kevin Durant Honors His Family's Support

Excellence requires ample support. There are myriad examples of this
truism in life. In belated honor of Mother's Day, and as a reminder
that we should be thankful for the supports in our lives, here is a
portion of Kevin Durant's MVP speech where he gives thanks. Watch for
Kevin's testimony to his mother at the 3-minute mark--it's worth the
wait. Thank you, Mom!

BUY "THE ANONYMOUS PEOPLE" DVD

Spread the Word About the Recovery Movement

Help
others learn about the decades-long Recovery Movement. Make history by
working to break the stigma and discrimination associated with the
disease of addiction. Purchase your own copy of the "The Anonymous
People", show it to your friends and family, and form a team for this
year's PRO-ACT Recovery Walks! 2014 on September 20 at Penn's Landing.

The
2013 "County PAYS Reports" are now available. With PAYS, the
Commonwealth surveys students to learn about their behavior and
attitudes concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence. The
data provides critical information concerning patterns of substance use,
risk factors related to harmful behaviors and the protective factors
that help guard against them. Read your county's PAYS Report to see how effective your county's leaders are in providing prevention resources: County PAYS Reports.

NEW YORK TIMES: RETHINKING CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Many laws have changed. More changes are on the way.

In
his NY Times Op Ed, Law Professor Mark Osler recounts how after 30
years of harsh sentences and mass incarceration of drug traffickers,
policymakers are having second thoughts. Some states have already taken
action. In 2010, Congress passed the Fair Sentencing Act to combat
unfair sentencing disparities. Now Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr.,
has announced the expansion of clemency for low-level drug
traffickers.

In
our Recovery Community Centers, Council Staff and PRO-ACT Volunteers
offer hope, help and healing to individuals and families struggling with
substance use or addiction. There are always events, programs, personal
recovery coaching and volunteer opportunities. Highlights this month
include the Gateway to Work Program, a workshop to improve your job,
family and life management skills, May 19 through May 23, from 9 am to 12 noon each day at our Philadelphia Recovery Community Center, 1701 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia. To register, call Jack at (215) 680-3466 or Sean (215) 223-7700.

To learn more about our Recovery Community Centers, please visit here.

OVERDOSE STRATEGIES FROM

THE NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE

Expand Medication Assisted Therapies (MATs)

The
rate of death from overdoses of prescription opioids in the Unites
States more than quadrupled between 1999 and 2010. The U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services is collaborating with stakeholders to
educate prescribers, reduce access to opioids, increase access to
treatment, and expand utilization of MATs. Of the 2.5 million Americans
who were dependent on opioids in 2012, fewer than 1 million received
MAT even though they are proven to be safe, effective and reduce the
risk of overdose. Medications used to assist treatment of individuals
with opioid addiction include methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone. Expand the use of MATs